Has anyone managed to get an Interim order when applying for residence? I was absolutely gutted yesterday when my Barrister said that it could take 12-15 months MORE (already been 4 months) to get the full order, after all the investigations, CAFCASS, etc.

I am gutted. My solicitor had been much more positive and I really didn't expect this. Struggling to cope with the weight of all of this carrying on for another year - writing more statements, going to court, etc., etc., not to mention legal bills - on top of having to testify at my ex's trial in the autumn.

I am hoping to hear from someone who's been through this process and can tell me how long it took, and whether they got an interim order.

One other thing, I'm from the States, so my ex is playing the "she might not come back" card. I've lived here for 10 years, and am properly settled with career and understanding boss and HR. Why would I leave?

It all depends, I thought we were going for such a simple issue, as most things agreed but the one issue of his g/f being present during contact which the children did not want, and him not being nice to them and sabotaging things, and telling lies, meant that a year later we are still back and forth, the poor kids he can't love them very much to continually want them to be assessed, he asks for extra assessments professionals don't deem necessary, like he gets off on it or something, I feel very bad for ever having anything to do with him, but I got the kids from the relationship.

Thanks

Thanks Suzanne and Lauren for your replies and support.

We are 4 months and £11,000+ (set to be probably 13 by end of Tues) into this. He has not had any contact. We disagree on everything. (Actually our solicitors do - he cannot speak to me.) He is fighting me on Residence, but not asking for it himself, nor giving any valid reasons for opposition. He is asking for contact, but isn' actually push it (doesn't complete necessary steps). He asks for statements w/in 7 days, but takes 4 weeks to do his own.

Effectively, his Barrister goes really hot in court, then they go cold for weeks - his solicitor rarely responds until we've chased repeatedly. I am hoping that this court sees this. They have already "reserved costs", though I'm told it's unlikely I'll get them in the end. (He's on a 6 figure salary and not providing any support - no real bills, so you can see where this is going...)

I want the Residence Order to assure he doesn't take her (as he's threatened), and so I have freedom to travel. Travelling is a big part of my life (to see family and friends, as well as for work and pleasure), and I want me daughter to be able to join me. I don't want to leave her, so I stay here. Then I get depressed, as I feel it's just another way for him to control me. I can't go abroad to see my family and close friends, and he knows I need that support.

To that end, it has been suggested that I allow my solicitor to hold my daughter's passports (I can't do mine, as I travel intra-day for work). Whilst I shouldn't have a problem with this (and technically I don't), it's the principle that I have a problem with. Violent man assaults me, now I have to face all these restrictions. For what reason? It makes no sense! I've done nothing!

Further I have a solid career here, with a flexible employer. I'd never find that in the States, so why would I even comtemplate going back.

Apologies for length. I'm just feel so frustrated, confused, controlled, and mostly helpless.